Eyeshadow - From Caked to Cupcake

Sitting at your vanity, calmly applying the face you want to wear with the perfect light highlighting your visage  - Does this really happen to anyone?  My usual makeup routine is sandwiched between the other million things I have to do before I'm out the door.  That goes for any time of day too, even if I'm going out for the evening.  I specifically want to mention eyeshadow.  I absolutely love eyeshadow and using various colors to create a new shade or new look to compliment my outfit.  I'm a true artist and use my face as yet another pallet.  Does this mean everyone should have animal print eyelids?  No.

First things first, remember your audience.  What does that mean?  Is it a wise idea to cake on the makeup, go heavy on the lids for an important meeting or meeting new clients? No, not at all.  For most, if not all, work settings, it is truly best to stay as natural as possible, when it comes to your eyes.  Save the bright blues and coppers for a night out on the town.  A simple soft shade,  liner and great mascara go a long way versus trying to "express yourself."   Even if your boss is more lax and encourages you to express yourself; still play it safe.  You never know who you will encounter and what new connections / networking can be made. 

What about that night out?  Again, know your audience.  Are you going on that first date?  Play with colors but stick to something low key that enhances your natural beauty.  I don't think he or she would appreciate dating a Monet painting - they should be getting to know you.  What if you've been married for what feels like forever?  Break out your colors and play around until you find a combination you love.  Spice things up, have fun - be someone different that night.  Just remember that too much really is too much and caked on isn't cute.  I call it the "Cupcake" alternative.  It is just enough without being too much. 

Also, don't break the bank in search of the best eyeshadow.  The prices vary from very inexpensive to very expensive, and now there are brands that claim to last longer than 5+ hours on your face without issue.  I don't recommend wearing the same makeup longer than 10 hours.  Your skin needs to breathe - but that is another topic altogether.  Do make sure you test products out to find out what works best on your skin.  I haven't found that expensive brands work better than inexpensive ones, so don't feel the need to splurge (unless you want to).  Don't be afraid to try new colors either!  Mix, match and be fabulous!  The same rules apply to the brushes.  I find my cheap brushes do their job well and clean very easily so I don't waste endless q-tips (I call them Q-Tip$) in the process. 

Take a risk, beauty, don't always be on your guard.  Life is too short to go along with the crowd. 

Stay beautiful!  xox

Beauty In The Minds Eye

Time moves us forward and we are faced with a brand new season - Fall!  This is truly my favorite time of year.  I know that everyone is scrambling to dust off their favorite pair (or pairs) of boots, and locate as much pumpkin as they can, to consume it in a variety of ways over the next three months.  Also, they are leaving the windows open at night to let the house (or apartment) breathe after spending the last four months locked up to preserve the cool air from the air conditioner.  What is missing from all this?  I am sure everyone has a list a mile long in anticipation for the end of the year; I know I do.  That involves doing a lot of things for other people but what about you?  Where is the time carved out for you?  I'm not talking about wedging an hour here and there for a manicure / pedicure, or drinking lunch with girlfriends - I am talking about the quiet space in life, where you can find yourself and free your mind of thinking.

Beauty is more than applying products on your face, hair, nail, et cetera.  It all starts in the mind.  When the mind is cluttered with ideas, insecurities, deadlines, worries, and doubts, it is hard to remember who you are and where you are.  I know I forget sometimes and get lost among the labels in my life.  It happens to the best of us but there is a way out.  There is a way to push everything aside and say, "No, thank-you."  My personal favorite thing is to go on nature walks.  I specifically enjoy doing this alone to be at one with nature and God.  I know that sounds almost selfish but I don't care.  I work very hard in my life for the things I want and currently have and when I need "me time," I take it.  I suggest you all get out there and do just that.  Being in nature, for me, helps to clear my head and remember that I am just a small speck on a grand scale of beauty.  From the tall trees beside me, to the mud mixing with moss on the ground - that is true beauty.  It helps me maintain my perspective and inspires me to share it with others so we don't lose sight of what is around us and what we should preserve.

I want it to be a constant reminder that you do not have to seek out countless magazines or contemplate over which celebrity is best to emulate because there is a beauty standing before you - it's You.  Go out in nature every so often to remember that fresh air, quiet and peace of mind is one of the best things you can do for yourself - and your mind, body and soul.

Stay beautiful xox